To this day, Marilyn Monroe is one of the most famous faces in Hollywood’s history. Her vibrant personality and striking image have captured the interests of worldwide audiences for decades, transpiring through time and cultural changes.
Today she lives on through the people who continue to keep her name in conversation. Her legacy echoes through fashion trends, pop culture and the connections which those form to her story, from fans and artists who reinterpret her image and modernise her.
Born in LA as Norma Jean Mortenson, a young brunette whose life was filled with instability and a quiet talent for acting. And leaving the world as Marilyn Monroe, a platinum- blonde bombshell who helped redefine chicness, intelligence and fame, Marilyn Monroe has left a footprint on how we view today’s celebrity culture.
Ranked as the sixth greatest actress from the Hollywood era and starring in 29 films that reached the attention of world-wide audiences, the conversations of 100 helps explore the woman behind her acting success, understanding her influence and bringing together different voices- fans and artists, who continue to find meaning within her legacy, even 63 years after she died
The reimagining of Marilyn Monroe through artwork:
“Her presence persists, as artists continually use her image in their work. Marilyn Monroe remains a poignant figure. She represents the glamour of Hollywood.” Says Graham Short, a Birmingham-based artist.
Marilyn Monroe’s image has continued to be a muse for artistic work, proving that her influence has left a lasting footprint on today’s society. Among artists who are drawn to her is Graham Short, micro-engraver known for using iconic figures in his miniature artwork.
Short found that Marilyn’s image was a perfect opportunity to help create something entirely new. He explained: “I wanted it to be different. I wanted to produce her in a way that nobody on the planet had ever done before or even thought of.”
His artwork reflects his strive for originality, using an iconic picture of Marilyn to punch 2,300 holes to embed her into the corner of a five-pound note. An unconventional piece that symbolises the start of her unstable life.
This piece attracted the eyes of people from all over the world.
“My work is now exhibited in 14 museums around the globe. Hollywood is one of many museums I’m proud to be in.”
Short’s art highlights a wider pattern that Marilyn’s image continues to resonate with artists. Whilst fans remain captivated by the story of Marilyn, artists are drawn to the symbolism that her appearance brings.
“I’ve spoken to artist friends of mine.” Graham said, “They all agree, that working on images of Marilyn Monroe always seems to inspire them. It’s strange how someone who died over 60 years ago can have such magnetic reach.”
“Her presence persists, as artists continually use her image in their work. Marilyn Monroe remains a poignant figure. She represents the glamour of Hollywood.”
Graham is one of many artists carry the legacy of Marilyn Monroe and reinforcing the importance of people celebrating iconic historical figures.
How fan’s carry Marilyn’s legacy.
Marilyn’s level of fame was not something that can be marked by her success, it was something that she, as an individual, helped shape. Her life went far beyond the images and videos that are seen today.
People didn’t just like Marilyn’s work, they felt that they knew her on a different level. The shift from actress to global star caused a change in how we see celebrities, one that has had a lasting impact on society.
Fame is now more intimate, with today’s celebrity’s being the main influence for trends, lifestyle tips and overall interests. Marilyn helped mark this change, sharing her image to profit her talent meant that the lines between public image and privacy would be blurred forever.
For fans like Jackie Duke, the connection of Marilyn is not historical, it feels present. Having been a fan of Marilyn since she was 15, her interest began with the life story of the famed actress.
“Where she came from and what she achieved in that space of time is so inspiring.” She said: “It’s amazing to me that someone can be that determined and get what they want.” Reflecting that Marilyn’s fame was not built from her appearance but the person she was behind her persona.
Today, Marilyn legacy is carried through community based social media groups, online spaces have allowed fans to meet like-minded people and share their favourite images, stories and modern-day inferences.
The Marilyn Remembered Facebook group has over 8,000 members. Who are celebrating her 100th birthday through various events.
“Now I know that there’s all these events going on, which I’m keen to go to. It’s interesting to note there are other people out there who are interested in her life.”
Jackie is one of many fans who hopes that Marilyn’s fame will mean that her legacy will go on to help people understand more about her and the person she was behind her brand.
“She persevered up to a certain point… and managed to continuously achieve the next step she wanted to get to, Which is something that young girls can take something from.”
Marilyn Monroe’s lasting fame is a symbol of her influence and the fact that she changed celebrity culture forever.
Marilyn Monroe’s legacy has been carried by those who have studied her. Celebrating 100 years of her not only marks the relevance of her as an individual but allows communities to showcase their interests and reflect on the cultural impact that she created, which changed the trajectory of modern day celebrity interests.
